RAISIN' THE RENT
Words, Ted Koehler; music, Harold Arlen; ©1933.
From "Cotton Club Parade"
As recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra (with Ivie Anderson, vocalist)

Good look has crossed me; bad luck has forced me
Down to my last one cent.
I'm right right in the middle of solving that riddle
Known as raising the rent.

Steal beg or borrow; got till tomorrow.
Landlord's a mean old gent.
It's come to a showdown and he wants the lowdown
If I'm raising my rent.

Better times are taking too long.
Panic's on and it's hitting me too song.
Got a right to sing a blues song.
Trouble has got me down.

I've made my mind up; I'd rather wind up
Camping out in a tent
Than being in the middle of solving that riddle
Known as raising my rent.